Melinda's Review: Mangos and Mistletoe

Mangos and Mistletoe by Adriana Herrera
Publisher: Adriana Herrera (December 16, 2019)
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Queer, F/F)
Dual 1st POV

Kiskeya Burgos left the tropical beaches of the Dominican Republic with a lot to prove. As a pastry chef on the come up, when she arrives in Scotland, she has one goal in mind: win the Holiday Baking Challenge. Winning is her opportunity to prove to her family, her former boss, and most importantly herself, she can make it in the culinary world. Kiskeya will stop at nothing to win , that is, if she can keep her eyes on the prize and off her infuriating teammate's perfect lips.

Sully Morales, home cooking hustler, and self-proclaimed baking brujita lands in Scotland on a quest to find her purpose after spending years as her family’s caregiver. But now, with her home life back on track, it's time for Sully to get reacquainted with her greatest love, baking. Winning the Holiday Baking Challenge is a no brainer if she can convince her grumpy AF baking partner that they make a great team both in and out of the kitchen before an unexpected betrayal ends their chance to attain culinary competition glory.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle

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Reviews for AUTHOR'S LAST NAME's books:

• American Dreamer
• American Fairytale

Melinda's Review:

Melinda's Review: Tikka Chance on Me

Remember, since this is a Royal Pick, come back on November 29th for a chance to win an ecopy of your own!

Tikka Chance on Me by Suleikha Snyder
Publisher: Suleikha Snyder (November 13, 2018)
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Novella

He's the bad-boy biker. She's the good girl working in her family's Indian restaurant. On the surface, nothing about Trucker Carrigan and Pinky Grover's instant, incendiary, attraction makes sense. But when they peel away the layers and the assumptions--and their clothes--everything falls into place. The need. The want. The light. The laughter. They have more in common than they ever could've guessed. Is it enough? They won't know until they take a chance on each other--and on love.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Author's Site
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Reviews for Snyder's books:

• Seared

Melinda's Review:

Sarah's Review: The Major's Welcome Home

The Major's Welcome Home by Tessa Bailey
Publisher: Tessa Bailey (July 15, 2018)
Genre: Contemporary Romance

When Kenna Sutton is tasked with driving home newly returned Beck “True Blue” Collier, she expects the strategic Army mastermind to be a pasty number cruncher. Never at a loss for words, Kenna is nonetheless rendered speechless by the gorgeous, hard-bodied and utterly inexperienced Army Major that lands in her passenger seat. Outraged by Beck’s lack of a welcome home after seven long years overseas, Kenna takes matters into her own hands, giving Beck something he’s only ever fantasized about in his bunk.

Beck has never shied away from a test of will and Kenna gives new meaning to the word challenge. One problem? Kenna’s father is the Lieutenant General presenting Beck with a Silver Star and Beck is determined to treat Kenna with the respect she deserves. Kenna has other ideas, however, tempting Beck’s resolve at every turn. But how long can one lonely, starving man hope to resist the woman he craves?

**The Major's Welcome Home originally appeared in the OFF BASE anthology under the title OFF BASE: BECK AND KENNA**

Where to Buy*:

Kindle -- KU Title

More Info:

Author's Site
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Reviews for Bailey's books:

• Indecent Exposure
• Raw Redemption
• Too Beautiful to Break
• Too Close to Call
• Too Hard to Forget
• Too Hot to Handle
• Too Wild to Tame
• Worked Up
• Wound Tight

Sarah's Review:

Chelsea's Review: The Lady and the Thief

The Lady and the Thief by Megan Derr
Publisher: Less Than Three Press, LLC (June 27, 2018)
Series: Deceived, 5
Genre: Fantasy (Historical?) Romance -- Queer, F/F

Adeline has been at the mercy of others her entire life: the aunt and uncle who constantly remind her she should be grateful they took her in after her parents died of a tragic illness. Her guardian in the city who constantly reminds her that she should be grateful they're giving her a coming of age in the city. The suitors who make it clear she should be grateful they're lowering themselves to even consider her.

The only person who's ever made her feel wanted was Lisette, the maid she once fell in love with. The maid who fled in the night with stolen goods, including the pearls that are all Adeline has left of her mother.

Then, while at yet another ball where she feels alone, out of place, and trapped between choosing happiness or doing what’s expected of her, Adeline encounters the beautiful Lady Wisteria—whom Adeline knows better as the maid Lisette…

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

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Author's Site
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Chelsea's Review:

Kat's Review: The Boss of Her

The Boss of Her by Julie Cannon, Aurora Rey, and M. Ullrich
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books (April 16, 2018)
Genre: Contemporary Romance -- F/F

Going to work never felt so good. Three office romance novellas from talented writers Julie Cannon, Aurora Rey, and M. Ullrich. 

In For Your Eyes Only by Julie Cannon: Dress for success takes on a very different meaning. CFO Riley Stephenson finds herself in a particularly difficult position when the stripper she's fallen for shows up at her office―as her new employee.

In Lead Counsel by Aurora Rey: Attorney Elisa Gonzalez is happy working behind the scenes while still having time for a life. All that changes when her firm takes on a major case and Parker Jones, powerhouse litigator and her law school crush, is named lead counsel.

In Opportunity of a Lifetime by M. Ullrich: Luca Garner is eager and hardworking, but her new boss is a total nightmare―snarky and uncooperative, not to mention an ice queen. VP Stephanie Austin doesn’t mean to be unkind, but the last thing she wants is an assistant getting under her skin, especially one who is as attractive as she is kind.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

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Author's Sites: Here, Here, and Here
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Kat's Review:

Kat's Review: We Will Make Mischief Together

We Will Make Mischief Together by J. Hepburn
Publisher: Less Than Three (March 14, 2018)
Genre: Historical / Steampunk -- F/F
Novella (about 65 pages)
1st POV

Frances once had a life of her own, and a future in a world that was throwing off old shackles.

That was before she was hauled back home to be chained by convention and family, and the dearest person in the world to her went missing, presumed dead.

Then a battered wooden box arrives, bearing a cryptic message from someone she thought long dead.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

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Author's Site
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Kat's Review:

Jen's Quickie Review Round Up: Ana Tejano, Claire Kent, and Kelly Maher

Today is all about quickie novella thoughts. First one from Pat, now you get a three-for-one deal from Jen!

Jen: I didn’t think I liked novellas all that much until I read and loved My Lady’s Lover a few months ago (at some point, I promise I will stop stanning for that book...but today is not that day), and now they make up a pretty regular part of my reading diet. They are especially great when I’m not sure what to read next---they’re short, sweet, and satisfying. 

You Could be the One: Stories of Friends, Lovers, and Friends Becoming Lovers by Ana Tejano 
Publisher: Ana Tejano  (April 23, 2017)
Genre: Contemporary Romance (NA)

Experience the spark of discovering something new with someone familiar in You Could Be the One, a collection of stories about friends, lovers, and friends becoming lovers. Complications abound when the line between platonic and romantic gets blurred, but they did say that friendship is the foundation of a great love story. Will you take the risk for a relationship upgrade? 

It’s a Match

Cams Ronquillo is single and ready to mingle—at least, online. After finally moving on from her last breakup, she decides to try online dating thanks to the encouragement of Gabriel Evangelista, her friend, business partner, and a serial online dater. As she learns to navigate uncharted dating territory with the potential dates at her fingertips, Cams decides to break one of the online dating rules she was taught...and gets an unexpected match.

Bottleneck

Love is patient—just ask Gelo Morales, who waits for Lara Nolasco after his class every day just so he can spend time with her on their commute home. She doesn’t know that, and she also doesn’t know that he’s been in love with her since they met. He’s planning to tell her one day—he’s just waiting for the perfect moment. Will he find a way to reach Lara’s heart in time, or will be run into bumper-to-bumper traffic on his way there?

Fake It Till We Make It

Ruth Garcia is in her thirties and still hasn’t been in any relationship. She’s totally fine with that, but her family thinks otherwise. When her aunt orders her to bring a significant other to the next family event, she enlists her friend Ian Balboa to be her fake boyfriend. But when things go a little too well, she wonders just how they’ll get out of it without ruining their friendship. But does she even want to end the charade? 

Where to Buy*:

Kindle

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Author's Site
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Jen's Review:

Pat's Quickie Review: Should've Been You

Should’ve Been You by Nicole McLaughlin
Publisher: Swerve (January 30, 2018)
Series: Man Enough, 3
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Childhood neighbors get a chance at love in Should’ve Been You, an achingly romantic novella in Nicole McLaughlin’s Man Enough series!

National Guardsman Jase Beckford wants to live a quiet life raising cattle and taking care of his mother. His childhood friend and neighbor Hannah is still his best friend, but when he walks into the Walters house one morning and sees her twin sister Becca for the first time in five years, he wonders if he missed out on something special.

Becca Walters has nursed a secret crush on Jase since childhood, but he always preferred Hannah, so she buried her feelings assuming her sister and Jase would one day turn their flirtation into a real relationship. And this Christmas, she is anticipating a proposal of her own, so Jase’s reappearance in her life doesn’t mean anything. Much. Okay, maybe more than Becca would like to admit.

However, when Becca’s sister gets engaged to someone who’s not Jase, Becca and Jase find themselves spending more together. And when secrets are revealed, suddenly those dormant feelings come back to life; but is the possibility of something between them worth risking the happiness of everyone they love?

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Author's Site
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Pat's Review:

Pat's Review: The Cowboy's Special Christmas

The Cowboy's Special Christmas by Barbara McMahon
Publisher: Barbara McMahon (December 7, 2017)
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Novella

Starting over–
Left at the altar, veterinarian Jennifer moves a thousand miles away from the reminders of the man she thought to marry. She’ll focus on her new practice, make friends and forget about getting involved again any time soon.

Moving on–
After cowboy Cole Martin discovers the woman he loved has been going out with other men, he cuts all ties despite her attempts to rekindle their romance. Once burned, twice shy.

Starting something new–
When Cole and Jennifer meet, it’s like at first sight. But can this relationship forge ahead with all the heartache lingering from the past.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Author's Site
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Pat's Review:

Pat's Review: "A Kavanagh Christmas"

A Kavanagh Christmas by Sarah Robinson
Publisher: Sarah Robinson (November 7, 2017)
Series: Kavanagh Legends, 5
Genre: Contemporary Romance

The heartfelt holiday conclusion to the Kavanagh Legends family saga revisits all the couples that readers have fallen in love with throughout the series. An angsty and loving Christmas novella, it’s the perfect goodbye to these Irish MMA fighters and a glimpse into what the future holds for them.

With the Christmas season fast approaching, the entire Kavanagh family is feeling anything but the holiday spirit. Commitments are questioned, relationships are tense, and bickering is nonstop.

However, when a crisis strikes and the family realizes that they might lose one of their own, they’ll come together to remember the reason for the season is first, and foremost, love and family

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Author's Site
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Reviews of Robinson's books:

• Becoming a Legend
• Breaking a Legend
• Chasing a Legend
• Not a Hero

Pat's Review:

Jen's Review: My Lady's Lover

My Lady's Lover by Nicola Davidson
Publisher: Nicola Davidson (November 27, 2017)
Series: Surrey SFS, 1
Genre: F/F Romance -- Historical

Novella!

Welcome to the Surrey Sexual Freedom Society - where unconventional and uninhibited ladies and gentlemen discuss all matters erotic...

Beatrice Irving has been in love with her employer since the day they met. Even more forbidden, she is Amelia, Countess of Garrick—intelligent, beautiful, and very much married—and an affair that would cause the society scandal to end all scandals. It seems Beatrice is destined to remain alone, her only joy the deliciously wicked monthly meetings of the Surrey Sexual Freedom Society.

Amelia Garrick is desperate. Trapped in a bad marriage to a man she doesn’t love and unable to give him an heir, her one solace is her companion, Beatrice. Until the night friendship becomes something more, and Amelia is introduced to an intoxicating new world. Together they risk all. Yet now she’s had a heady taste of scorching hot pleasure, Amelia can’t resist…

Where to Buy*:

Kindle

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Author's Site
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Jen's Review:

Pat's Review: Forever Deep

Forever Deep by Kimberly Kincaid
Publisher: Kimberly Kincaid Romance (November 4, 2017)
Series: Station Seventeen, 3.5
Genre: Contemporary Romance with Suspense

Firefighter Kellan Walker lives for two things: his fiancée and his family at Station Seventeen. But when a case surfaces with ties to Isabella’s past, he knows he’ll do anything to help her solve it—even if that means breaking all the rules.
With days to go before her Christmas wedding, Detective Isabella Moreno should be enjoying the happiest time of her life. But there’s a ruthless killer on the loose, and she’s been waiting far too long to serve justice.

As Kellan and Isabella team up to solve the case, the danger hits closer to home at every turn. Will they outwit the murderer who has haunted Isabella’s nightmares in time to make it down the aisle to their happily ever after? Or will the danger run too deep?


PLEASE NOTE: This novella is an extension of the first book in the Station Seventeen series, SKIN DEEP. While neither story contains cliffhangers, this novella does contain references to SKIN DEEP that could be considered spoilers. It is highly recommended that readers enjoy SKIN DEEP before curling up with FOREVER DEEP

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Author's Site
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Reviews for Kincaid's books:

• All Wrapped Up
• Crossing Hearts
• Crossing the Line
• Deep Burn
• Fire Me Up
• Gimme Some Sugar
• In Too Deep
• Outside the Lines
• Pushing the Line
• Reckless
• Skin Deep
• Stirring Up Trouble

Pat's Review:

[Throwback Review]: "Hedging His Bets"

Jen's got another Throwback Thursday Review for you. This time for a silly paranormal that's sadly not worth the (outrageous!) price.

Hedging His Bets by Celia Kyle
Publisher: Pronoun (January 26, 2017) Republished
Series: Honey and Fur, 1
Genre: Paranormal novella

Honey loves running her bar and grill, catering to humans and shifters alike. But there are two things that dim her love of the place: cocky assholes who think they own the world, and cocky assholes who think they can flex their muscles and wreck her bar when throwing a temper tantrum. Unfortunately, the drop-dead gorgeous, hotter than hot, shifter man she secretly loves is both.

Blake wants the curvaceous, gorgeous Honey in his bed. Now. He’s lusted (but not loved, let’s get that straight) after the luscious woman for months. True, he looks like a bad-boy biker mixed with a player and, yeah, he’s broken a few things in her bar… But only because the guys were hitting on his girl. With no hope of winning her over in sight, he does what any red-blooded werehedgehog would do in his position. He lies. 

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

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Jen's Review:

[Jen's Review]: "In Skates Trouble"

In Skates Trouble by Kate Meader
Publisher: Kate Meader Books (May 1, 2017)
Series: Chicago Rebels, 0.5
Genre: Contemporary Romance

He'll give her what she needs . . .

Addison Williams isn't looking for romance, but when she encounters an eavesdropping stranger on an adjoining hotel balcony, she figures she's due a little fun. She just hadn't reckoned on the "fun" escalating so quickly to "out of control." One minute she's flirting with a whiskey-graveled voice in the dark, the next that same voice is telling her to do things. Hot, wicked things.

Cup-winning hockey player Ford "Killer" Callaghan can't believe he let the anonymous woman who blew his mind slip away into the night. He'll track her down because once could never be enough—even if discovering her identity places her strictly out of bounds.

Stolen kisses. Secret hook-ups. Deliciously forbidden in every way. Can a passion that started in the dark find a lifetime of love in the light?


Originally published in Hot on Ice: A Hockey Romance Anthology, this sexy prequel to the Chicago Rebels hockey series features an older, curvy woman, a younger, driven hero, and a happily-ever-after you'll swoon over. 

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

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Author's Site
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Other Reviews for Meader:

One Week to Score
Playing with Fire
Sparking the Fire



Jen's Review:

[Review]: "Too Close to Call" + Excerpt

Too Close to Call by Tessa Bailey
Publisher: Evil Eye Concepts, Incorporated (June 13, 2017)
Series: Romancing the Clarksons, 3.5
Genre: Contemporary Romance

All-American wide receiver Kyler Tate’s life is about to change. A fairytale college career skyrocketed him to the NFL draft. Adoration and opportunity are thrown in his direction wherever he goes, thanks to being chosen in the first round by the Los Angeles Rage. 

None of the accolades mean anything, though, without his high school sweetheart, Bree Sutton, by his side. Four years ago, she walked away from Kyler, choosing a quiet life over the flash and notoriety his career would someday bring. 

Now he’s back in their Indiana hometown, refusing to leave for Los Angeles without her. Demanding she give their life together a shot. Her heart never stopped bleeding for the love of her life, but Bree’s decision was final. Too bad their wild attraction has only been amplified by their separation, and Kyler won’t quit until Bree is wearing his ring.

Where to Buy*:

Kindle

More Info:

Author's Site
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Reviews of Bailey's Previous Novels:

Raw Redemption
Too Hard to Forget
Too Hot to Handle
Too Wild to Tame
Worked Up
Wound Tight




My Review:

[ARC Review]: "Hot In The City"

Hot In The City by Jules Court
Publisher: Carina Press (March 27, 2017)
Series: Hot In The City, 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance -- Novella

The first time Detective Brian MacGregor met Priya Shah, he was bleeding. Injured apprehending a suspect, he just needed a few stitches. He didn't expect to feel a gut punch of lust for the beautiful ER doc. But another emergency called her away before he had a chance to ask her out…or kiss her. Or find out if she shared his sudden sex-in-a-dark-hospital-room fantasy. 

The second time he met Priya, she was protecting a murder witness. 

Protecting is putting it strongly, if you ask Priya. Her cousin may have witnessed a murder, but she had nothing to do with it. Even if the hot ginger cop seems like the perfect solution to Priya's summer dry spell, they both have more important things to worry about. Like finding Sara before the murderer does. 

As far as Brian's concerned, Priya is the key—her cousin is bound to come back to her eventually, and when she does, he'll be there. They just need to keep their hands off each other until then. But when attraction burns this hot, it's only so long before someone has to break…

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

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Author's Site
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My Review:

[Review]: "Wrapped Together"

Wrapped Together by Annabeth Albert
Publisher: Lyrical Shine (December 6, 2016)
Series: Portland Heat, 5
Genre: M/M Romance -- Contemporary

In the bustling restaurants, shops, and cafés of Portland, Oregon, things really heat up for the hard-working men behind the scenes when the holidays come into town . . .

For a stationery store owner, the holidays are great for business. But for Hollis Alcott, Christmas reminds him of the tragic events of three years past, and the last thing he wants to do is take part in Portland’s over-abundance of festive cheer. But Sawyer Murphy, a hunky gift shop owner whose brother is married to Hollis’s sister, has made it his mission to pluck Hollis out of his holiday blues. And his plan is beginning to work. Wrapped in the warm glow of newfound passion, the former business rivals hit up Portland’s finest holiday traditions—and Hollis’s icy attitude begins to melt like snowflakes on his tongue. But he isn’t sure he can trust anyone with the only gift he has—his heart—without breaking it like an antique ornament. Unless he can find the courage to take a leap with the one lover he never expected . . . 

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Author's Site
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Reviews of Albert's Previous Novels:

Status Update (#1) -- TBQ
Beta Test (#2) -- TBQ
Connection Error (#3) -- TBQ

Treble Maker (#1) -- TBQ

Love Me Tenor (#2) -- TBQ
All Note Long (#3) -- TBQ

Knit Tight (#4) -- TBQ

My Review:

[Pat's Review]: "Come For Me"

Come for Me by Ella Sheridan
Publisher: November 29, 2016
Series: Southern Nights, 3.5
Genre: Romantic Suspense

She's his wife, his everything, and God help the thugs who dared to take her hostage.

When an ex-military security expert's wife is taken hostage along with her colleagues, he'll use every weapon in his arsenal to get her out safely. But when it turns out someone they both trust is working with the bad guys, she'll have to fight alongside him to gain their freedom.

Olivia Brannan arrives at her Atlanta financial firm on what should be one of the best mornings of her life. But she walks into eerie silence, greeted only by bloodstains. Her quiet, civilized workplace is under attack. When she can't reach Dain, her uber-protective hero, she realizes she must stay alive on her own until help arrives. And she must decide—is she prepared to kill to save herself and the gift she has for her husband?

Dain Brannan is a client security specialist at JCL Security. He's one of the best in the business. But even in his worst nightmares, he never expected to have to use his skills to rescue his beloved Livie. When thugs take her firm's personnel hostage, he'll do anything to save her—including go around or through the police. Can his team do what the SWAT teams cannot—bring her and her colleagues out alive?

Where to Buy*:

Kindle | NOOK | Kobo

More Info:

Author's Site
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Pat's Review:

[ARC Review]: "The Reverse of Perfection"

The Reverse of Perfection by Christi Barth
Publication Date: May 17th 2016
Series: Bad Decisions, 2
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Dylan Royce, ex-teen pop star, needs a sexy image makeover. His first adult solo album came out under his perfect, white-washed persona and tanked. Joining a band equally famous for their music and their between-the-sheets escapades is only the start. He needs to get raunchy. Sleep with a different girl every night. But there’s only one woman he wants, and she still sees him as a goody two-shoes boy-bander. 

Ariel Watson is the publicist in charge of turning Dylan into the sex-god every woman dreams of doing. Frankly, she doesn’t see the appeal. Until one hot kiss changes her mind. Now she wants to keep him for herself--without losing her job. Or losing Dylan the legions of drooling fans she’s supposed to be building for him. 

Turning bad got Dylan the woman of his dreams. But how will he choose between her...or his career catapulting him back to superstar status?

Where to Buy*:

Amazon | Kindle | BN | NOOK | ARe

More Info:

Author's Site
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Reviews of Barth's Previous Books:

Up To Me (#1) -- Kame

Friends to Lovers (#3) -- TBQ


My Review:

[Pat's Review]: "Revived by Love"

Revived by Love by Stacy Eaton
Publisher: Kindle Worlds (March 1, 2016)
Genre: Contemporary Romance

A New Year’s Kiss with a stranger will turn Pediatrician Mark Ellis’s world upside down. Even more so when he is called into the hospital for a drowning victim and finds out it is the son of the woman who changed everything for him.

Joanne Ward is done with her husband and his cheating ways. A single kiss with a man she doesn’t know seals the deal and the divorce papers are served. When her son falls through ice and is clinging to life she comes face to face with the man who gave her the inner strength to move forward.

Can the two of them find the sparks they shared, or will the incident with her son send them in opposite directions? 

**Remington Kindle World Novella based off of Melissa Foster's Remington Series** 

Don't miss Cured by Love, Stacy Eaton's 1st Kindle World Spin-off. 

Where to Buy*:

Kindle

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Author's Site
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Reviews of Eaton's Previous Novels:

Distorted Loyalty -- Pat

Second Shield -- Pat

Whether I'll Live or Die -- Pat

My Blood Runs Blue (#1) -- Pat

Barbara's Plea -- Pat

Cured by Love -- Pat

Tangled in Tinsel -- Pat


Pat's Review: